The later poems of John Clare 1837-1864 ... General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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 | The later poems of John Clare |  |
417
MARY
1
Alas there's no retreatingFrom the brightness of thy eyes
My heart with love is beating
Then do'nt my love despise
O slight not sweetest Mary
The love I bear to thee
Nor look at all contrary
To the claims of destiny
2
O let me be the nearestTo your bosom, and your love
I bring a love sincerest
What nature must approve
Where tears and sighs are pleaders
I own I've none to give
With such sad interceeders
My wishes cannot live
3
A honest heart that lieth notThat tells its story true
A written plea without a blot
Is what I offer you
Should thy love live without a stain
In constancy divine
Then heaven Mary glows again
And mine my love is thine
| The later poems of John Clare | |